Jaguar XK Convertible

Creating an attractive coupe can be a challenge, but creating a good looking convertible is even more difficult. With this in mind, Jaguar says its designers actually penned the XK convertible before the coupe in order to make sure both cars would turn heads.

Aside from its retractable canvas roof — which takes 18 seconds to be stowed — the XK Convertible is quite similar to its coupe counterpart. A standard 4.2-liter V8 provides 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque at 4100 rpm.

The XK’s roof is a power-latching, self-stowing system with three layers including Thinsulate insulation and a Rakona headliner. When the top is down, an aluminum tonneau cover conceals the canvas roof. While many convertibles are only offered with a black roof, the the XK can be ordered with gray, burgundy, green or dark beige canvas.

Thanks to the XK’s “Lightweight Vehicle Technology” architecture, the convertible did not need the traditional extra stiffening panels seen on many other convertibles — meaning there is no added weight and no penalty in stiffness. The XK convertible is actually 19 percent lighter than the previous-generation XK drop-top.

Although they are not a legal requirement, the Convertible features a Roll-over Protection Device consisting of two aluminum hoops that are automatically deployed if the car’s sensors detect the onset of a roll-over accident. The system is deployed by an advanced solid-state gyro sensor system. It’s designed to deploy through the rear window even if the roof is up.

The XK can be ordered with 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels. A navigation system with a seven-inch LCD touch screen is standard. Other features include front and side airbags, stability control, Burl Walnut or satin-finish Poplar trim, and keyless entry and start.

Options include a 525-watt Alpine premium sound system, Sirius satellite radio, soft-grain leather, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and a heated steering wheel.

A Jaguar Sequential Shift six-speed automatic transmission comes standard, incorporating steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear changes. On downshifts, the system even creates a throttle blip to shorten over-run shifts.

2009 Update

For 2009 model year, all cars are fitted standard with an iPod and USB connectivity interface, an air quality sensor, front park assist and electrochromic and heated power fold-back mirrors.

A new color is also added to the palette – Ultimate Black, replacing Midnight from June 2008.